Category: Emily

This year, I made a resolution to read for pleasure more. It may have something to do with all of my professors telling me to be a “consumer of culture”, but really I just love reading and bookstores. And, as the first month of 2018 comes to a close, I’ve had the terrible realization that I’ve only read one book (It’s Commonwealth by Ann Patchett)!! So, to inspire myself (and hopefully you), I’ve compiled my Boston Bookstore Bucket List (because the idea of cozying up with a coffee and a good book sounds way better than doing homework).

MIT Press Bookstore

Okay, so I’ve technically already been here but I cannot recommend this bookstore enough. The MIT Press Bookstore, as the name suggests, features works from the MIT Press. They have an extensive selection of design, art, and science books (and a pretty nice music section). But what makes this store stand out from the others (Aside from the selection of coffeeshops surrounding the location) is the book designs themselves. I have never been more inspired by book covers before. If you’re into graphic design or art, this would be at the top of my list.

Trident Booksellers and Cafe

Brunch in a bookstore? Trident says yes! So, I’ve also been here a few times, but I always want to go back! Trident has great food (I recommend the tofu scramble for my veggie friends) and an even better atmosphere. I could seriously spend all day here – and not just because of the free wifi. If you’re looking for good books or good gifts, or a good place to take a friend, this is the place to go!

Brattle Book Shop

This is at the very top of my bucket list… look how cool it is!! Brattle Book Shop offers a vast selection of used books, plus their outdoor bookshelves would make for a great Instagram (amiright ladies)?

4) Brookline Booksmith

Located in the always-cool Coolidge Corner, Brookline Booksmith is one of the most recommended bookstores in Boston! For aesthetics alone, this is at the top of my list (look at the fairy lights, it’s a Tumblr dream!) Brookline Booksmith has a huge variety, a used book cellar, and also sells audiobooks.

Hopefully this inspired you to hit your reading goals this year! Happy Reading!

The leaves are changing color, pumpkins spice is back, so you know what that means…It’s finally fall! If this is your first fall you’re in luck because Boston has so much to offer. I’ve compiled my ~fave fall affairs~ for you to enjoy!

1. Halloween Horror Marathon

Every year, the Coolidge Corner Theatre puts on a12 hour marathon of horror movies. They don’t reveal the movie titles until you’re in your seat, so go see if you’re brave enough and check it out!

2. Visit Salem

It wouldn’t be a New England fall without a trip to Massachusetts’ ~spookiest~ town. Plus, a trip to the Salem Witch Museum will put anyone in the Halloween spirit.

My favorite Salem

3. BU Pumpkin Drop

A classic BU fall tradition is the annual pumpkin drop. The BU Physics Department drop dozens of crazy pumpkins (think paint-filled and dipped in dry ice) from the roof of the Metcalf Science Center. Who knew science was actually cool (and in the fall spirit)?

4. Go Apple Picking

Sure, you could do this anywhere, but apple picking is a staple fun fall activity. Plus, this year BU had an event where they bussed students out to an apple orchard!

5. Head of the Charles

Is may have passed already, but the Head of the Charles Regatta is one of my favorite fall events. Crew is a quintessential New England sport, and it really is exciting to watch (and the Brooks Brother’s tent).

Last year, when I arrived to Boston, there was a lot going through my mind. I was excited to be in a new place, but also nervous. I didn’t know anybody, and my parents were basically dropping me off in a random city that would be my home for the next four years. After freshmen year, I left thinking of Boston as my home away from home. So, I’m going to give you some tips on how I made Boston my Home.

1) Finding a good coffee shop/study spot

This might sound silly, but finding my go-to coffee shop was a game changer. I would hang out there when I didn’t want to sit in bed, my friends and I would go and hang out there in between classes, and sometimes I even got some work done in there. Pavement was basically my Central Perk last year, and I quickly became a regular there.

2) Getting into a routine

Not as exciting as coffee, I know, but finding a routine may be one of the most important pieces of advice I can give. Although it might be boring, having a daily routine is comforting. There are so many unsure things in the beginning of college, so knowing how you spend your time during the day will give you some sense of relaxation.

3) Explore!

The only way to make Boston feel like home is to know the city! Getting out and exploring is one of the reasons I chose this school; there’s so much to see and do! Plus, once you get out and see the city, you’ll find your favorite places to go back to. Once you know Boston, it starts to feel like home.

4) Join Clubs

I can easily say that joining clubs and getting involved on campus was the single most important thing for me last year. Meeting people with similar interests (like all the CAs) instantly made me feel better. I also joined WTBU, which is my favorite club on campus. Surrounding yourself with great people in great clubs not only makes you feel at home, but it also helps make the BU community feel a little smaller and more welcoming. Being involved on campus makes me so happy, and I know it will make you feel good too!

Before I arrived at Boston University, the one thing I was most excited about was having freedom; freedom to choose my classes, try new things, and do whatever I was in the mood for. However, upon arrival, my newfound freedom was a little overwhelming. Aside from classes and extracurricular meetings, I had complete control over how I spent my day. Although the idea of taking a nap whenever I wanted was exciting (because who doesn’t love naps???), I learned quickly that this wasn’t the best idea. After a few weeks, I realized they key to successfully adjusting to college was creating a schedule. Although I like to plan things out, I still make sure to leave room for fun!

1. Use your Calendar

I know it sounds simple, but scheduling tasks that you need to get done in your calendar is a super helpful tool. If you treat important tasks like an appointment, you will be more likely to get them done. I will almost never take a spontaneous trip to Mugar to do homework or study, but when I put it as an event in my calendar, I find it much easier to take the time to actually go.

2. Set an Eating Schedule

I don’t know about you, but for me my days revolve around when I eat. Early in my first semester, I just ate at super random times (4pm lunch anyone?), but as time went on I realized this was not such a great idea. Because I would end up eating lunch super late, it would push back my entire schedule, and I would end up going to bed really late at night. By setting out specific meal times, I was able to go about my day more efficiently. This isn’t to say that you can’t eat at a different time a few times, but keeping your routine relatively similar from day to day helps me stay on track.

3. Create a Routine That Works for You

You want to create a schedule that makes you feel efficient, but you don’t want to end up burning out. As much as you want to spend 5 hours a day at Mugar, that probably isn’t realistic. If your schedule feels like a burden, you probably will not stick to it for long. Similarly, if you create a routine that is too rigid and time sensitive, you won’t want to follow it. What I do is give myself a range of times to accomplish everything so that I don’t feel overwhelmed. If I have a test in a week, for example, I will lay out a few hours over the course of the week in preparation instead of putting it all within a day or two before my exam. That way, I feel that my work is manageable. I’ll put it in my calendar, and then I’ll take it day by day. Planning things out will help you feel that you can accomplish whatever you need to get done.

4. Leave Room for Fun!!!

While I like to plan out when I study and sleep, I make sure to leave a lot of open space in my schedule for fun! By only putting in what I feel is essential, I create a lot of opening in my schedule for spontaneous adventures. I make sure that my schedule gives me time to go out and have fun, or to just lay around in bed watching Netflix. While getting my work done is very important to me, I don’t want to feel deprived of anything. If I feel like I have no time to breathe and relax, I’ll just end up being less productive. So, while managing your time is important, make sure you balance your work with having fun and enjoying yourself!

As a new semester rolls around, there are so many things to look forward to. A new set of classes, opportunities to meet new people, and another chance to have an amazing time at BU with your friends! However, there is the homework issue. If you’re anything like me, the second I see my blackboard fill up with assignments, an instant feeling of dread fills my body. The only thing that can pull me out of a homework induced funk? Animal Instagrams. Some may call it procrastination, but I could spend hours fawning over adorable animal pictures and videos. So without further ado, here are my all time favorite animal instagrams that cheer me up when I’m drowning in work (or on any day, really).

1. @pleasantcats

Featuring a variety of different breeds, pleasant cats is the purrrfect instagram for a cat lover! As the handle suggests, the account features the cutest cats (and sometimes dogs) on insta, and they always give picture creds, which helps you find more furry friends! As my friends will attest, I have spent an inordinate amount of time squealing over these pictures.

2. @juniperfoxx

If you are looking to tap into your ~wild~ side, then juniper the fox is just for you! This account follows juniper, a domestic fox, and all of her adventures. This account is all adventures- whether it is a walk through the woods, curling up to her owner in bed, or flirting with the other animals in the house, Juniper is always up to something. Lucky for us, her antics are caught on camera!

3. @mensweardog

As its bio claims, menswear dog is the “most stylish dog in the world”, and I could not agree more. Not only is menswear dog a shiba inu (my fav breed), but he is impossibly stylish. Menswear dog would never be caught dead wearing out of season fashion, and I’m always eager to see his next ensemble. I’d especially recommend this to all of my fashionistas and dog lovers out there.

4. @pitterpatterfurryfeet

If you love animals and beautiful photography, @pitterpatterfurryfeet is the account for you. Run by two professional photographers, the account always manages to capture its subjects, Alice, Finnegan, and Oliver, in adorable poses (and with beautiful lighting). This is also the account for someone that likes both cats and dogs, as Alice and Finnegan are Siberian Lynx and Oliver is a Havanese. This honestly is the most aesthetically pleasing animal account that I have found, which makes it easy (almost too easy) to scroll down the feed for hours.

5. @lordhamiltonofficial

For anyone looking to branch out beyond cats and dogs, @lordhamiltonoffical is a great introduction into the farm life. Lord Hamilton is an adorable pig that dedicates his time to make others smile while working as a therapy animal. Every picture features Lord Hamilton’s signature snout and smile, and it never fails to put me in a good mood.

6. @nevillejacobs

For those of you who keep up with celebrities, you may recognize this famous pet’s last name. Neville Jacobs, pet of Marc Jacobs, lives a more luxurious life than the average dog… or person. When he’s not cuddling with his fashion icon father, Neville can be seen by the pool, taking a glamorous headshot, or hanging with his crew of famous pups (and even sometimes a Kardashian). If you’re like me and like to live vicariously through celebrities, this account is too tempting not to follow!